Chapter Text
You fixed your dress and smiled at yourself in the mirror. You glanced at Mary your maid to see what she was thinking, but it was clear she still didn’t like you, but tolerated you. You were born into a family through an affair. Your father was a Lord and married through an arrangement and had two daughters and a son, but then he had an affair with your mother through love and had you. Your mother raised you in a small part of the main house where you had to keep quiet. However, you were a playful soul and loved bringing happiness and light to people. So, you were always trying to make your mother happy. Your father would visit you often, because he loved your mother and thought you were the little light in his life. Then one day, your mother didn’t come to wake you up in the morning. All traces of your mother were gone and the Lord’s wife told you she’d died in the night. You were only seven.
After your mother had died, you were alone. All the maids and butlers didn’t like you because they supported the Lord’s wife and her children. So, you had maids and butlers coming and going. Often, you’d be left alone because they wouldn’t bother showing us to work. So, you learned how to do a lot of things by yourself. You’d read books a lot and when you became of age, you were invited to family events where you just hung in the background. You were happy with not being seen, because it allowed you to watch everyone and learn about different people’s quirks and weaknesses. It also allowed you to know how messed up this world was.
There was no Emperor, because the last one did not have a child that people knew of. There were four potential men that could take the throne, but they were unsure with who should take it. Lord Oliver was educated and very annoying with his intellect. Lord Esteban, who was known for having affairs all over the place. The biggest potentials Baron Alexander, who was what every one called perfection, but he had a large ego because of it. Lastly, was the one everyone was terrified of. Count Levi Ackerman. The count was known around the land to be wicked, cruel and cold hearted. People said he’d torture people, beat others and punished his staff harshly. Levi was the villain of them all with the rumours about him, and his harsh gaze. However, there was a large group of women desperate to marry him to save him and show him love.
You hadn’t met any of them, but today you were going to along with your family. You didn’t want to get married to any of those men, because you knew that it’d be nothing but trouble for you. However, you knew very well that everyone in the house wanted you gone, so marrying you off was a good thing. Your father loved you a lot, but he knew there was no life for you in his home while he was married to the woman he was and with the other kids he had. You were really alone, but you didn’t mind because you had your books. You were sure that one day you would fall in love and be happy. Your mother taught you that though her love was tragic, it was still love and she wouldn’t change it for anything in the world. So, you were determined to find love someday.
Mary let out a sigh. “Are you done?”
You fixed your hair and makeup, then nodded. “Yes, sorry.”
She shook her head. “I don’t know why you bother. You know Lady Elain will not be happy if you take all the attention away from her daughters.”
“I know, I’m sorry.”
She looked you over. “Put on a necklace or something, your shoulders are exposed and you have nothing there. Do something.”
You walked over you your jewellery, then put on a necklace your mother gave to you. It was sliver with white sparkles and stones to it. “This better?”
She sighed. “I honestly don’t care. You look less like you’re easy now.”
You nodded and walked behind her. “Thank you, Mary.”
She looked back at you. “Don’t thank me. I’m just doing my job. Are you not wearing shoes?”
You blushed. “No…well, think of it this way. A man won’t want me if I have no shoes on, right?”
Mary shook her head. “Whatever.” She led the way to the hall. “Just don’t embarrass Lady Elain.”
You smiled. “I won’t.” You walked with her into the main hall to see people dancing. You saw your father with his wife Elain, his eldest and most dolled up Rose, his dark things obsessed middle child Sapphire and his money loving son Fredrick. You didn’t mind that you weren’t introduced with the rest of them, because you were always the dirty love child, the mistake. “Pretty.”
Mary glared at you. “I’m going to enjoy myself. Don’t be you.”
You waved to her and watched her leave you. “Finally.”
You hurried over to a butler handing out drinks and took two without him seeing you. You downed both, then grabbed another two from another butler and weaved in and out of everyone. You thought people were ignoring you and avoiding you, but in actual fact you were the centre of everyone’s attention. It wasn’t because you were the love child of an affair, but because you were so beautiful and different from other potential brides. You were fun, kind, sweet, smart and outspoken. You knew how to be proper when needed, but you were also could have fun. You were a breath of fresh air compared to the others, which is why Elain was so angry with you all the time because you were taking men away from her daughters. Two people had their eyes on you strongly, Baron Alexander and Count Levi.
Alexander smiled as he watched you twirl around and started dancing by yourself on the dancefloor as everyone else had partners. “What a wonderful creature she is.”
His butler hummed. “Indeed.”
Levi was on the other side of the hall with people staying far away from him, except from the woman who were his fans gazing and giggling. He looked over at you and found you slightly amusing. Levi had seen you only a few times and thought you were an interesting sweet thing who had suffered a lot of pain like him. He didn’t want to marry, but his advisor Erwin had told him it was in his best interest to marry. Him, along with others, were seeking the Emperor crown and title, but the deciding group wanted someone who was ready to commit, and marriage was a big commitment.
Erwin leaned down and spoke to Levi. “It seems you’re not the only one watching her. Alexander is going in for the kill.”
Levi lit up a cigarette, then blew out smoke. “I doubt it’ll go well.” He watched you stop dancing as Alexander talked to you, then after you spoke Alexander walked away like he had his tail between his legs. “Told you.”
Erwin laughed. “I wonder what she said to him. She’s interesting. I’m glad we sort of met her two weeks ago. She’d make a good bride for you.”
Levi hummed. “Possibly.” He gave a side glance at a woman walking closer to him with the encouragement of her friends. He blew out smoke, then looked at her. “Tch, no.”
Erwin watched the woman run off. “You could be a lot nicer.”
“Tch, fuck off.”
Erwin hummed a laugh. “Sorry. We’ve all worked too hard, especially you. We’ve lost a lot of people and we have built up pain and anger. It’s frustrating.” He looked around. “She’s gone.”
Levi hummed. “I’m going for some air. These people are annoying.”
Erwin watched Levi put his cigarette between his lips, then his hands in his pockets. “Of course, I’ll be right here.”
Levi walked across the hall as people parted and moved out the way for him. Levi had a presence in the room that scared people, he was the villain and Baron Alexander was the hero. He didn’t care much for this bickering and things being done behind people’s backs. He just wanted a simple life and he didn’t care who he had to hurt or kill to get that. He walked outside as his thoughts bubbled away, then saw you with your dress held up and walking on the wall of the massive water fountain with no shoes on. You had a glass of champagne in your other hand as you hummed and danced along the wall.
He stopped and watched you for a bit. “Aren’t your feet cold?”
You squeaked making you jump, then you sighed and looked over to Levi. “Oh, hello Count.” You looked down. “My feet are just fine.”
He pulled his cigarette from his mouth, then tapped it as he blew out smoke. “You’re not scared of me?”
You shook your head. “No.” You frowned and looked to him. “Should I be?”
He shrugged. “Most people are. Haven’t you heard the rumours?”
You jumped into the water, then kicked about. “I don’t listen to rumours, because there are many about me that aren’t true. So, I know that a lot about you aren’t. I don’t know which ones are though. It doesn’t matter, because I probably won’t meet you again.”
“Why would you say that?”
You downed your drink, then walked to the edge of the fountain near Levi. “Don’t you know? I’m the dirty child, the one born from an affair. I’m tainted and I highly doubt Elain would let me be friends with yourself. She’ll want you to get to know Rose and Sapphire.”
Levi put his cigarette out and hummed. “You mean the blonde with too much self-love and the brunette that’s trying to be some self-made witch.”
You climbed up onto the wall and hummed a laugh. “Correct. Now, this is the moment where I say they’re really nice ladies and you’d be lucky be with them.”
“What about you?”
You jumped down onto the grass and frowned. “What about me?”
He walked with you. “What do you want?”
You twirled around and faced Levi with a smile on your face, then moon shining on you making you glow to Levi. You smiled sweetly at him with your hands behind your back. “More champagne.”
Levi sighed knowing you didn’t get his question. “I can get you a glass.”
You shook your head. “It’s best if you head in.”
“What about you?”
You flopped onto your back and sighed. “I can do anything I want, because no one cares about me. So, I’m going to enjoy the moon and stars, then I’m going to drink more.”
Levi studied you, he thought you were an interesting thing. “Tch, stubborn brat.”
You hummed a laugh. “I am.”
Levi walked back into the hall, then grabbed a butler. “I need you to do something for me. Take a bottle of champagne to the young lady outside and don’t mock her, or I will rip your spine out.”
The butler bowed. “Y-Yes, Count.” He hurried into the kitchen, grabbed a bottle and opened it then ran outside to you. “I have a something for you from the Count.”
You sat up and frowned. “What is it?”
He handed you a bottle. “Champagne.”
You smiled at the bottle. “Thank you.” You studied it and hummed as the butler walked away. “So, someone does listen to me. Nice.”
You sat in your window with a book in hand as you ready a nice story about love and romance. The stories always had something typical happen, which was a chance meeting and falling in love. All the books were about a wonderful and handsome prince, a pure hero. You felt bad, because there was no villain getting the girl. You wondered if Levi would ever get his happy end, because he was the villain out of all the people trying to get the title of Emperor. You knew you were a side character in this all, because the pretty girl to win the heart of the good guy and villain was Duchess Penelope. She was perfection in every way. She had long golden hair, slim frame, big bright eyes and a sweet nature about her. You knew she’d end up marrying Baron Alexander, then they’d have their happy ending while fighting with Count Levi and Levi either losing his life or being banished while you just sat in your window slowly dying from old age and alone, or maybe somewhere nice home somewhere with a simple farmer.
Elain threw your door open, then stormed over to you. “What did you do!?”
You closed your book and looked over to her. “Hello Lady Elain, it’s lovely of you to visit me.”
She back handed you across the face, then grabbed your upper arm and threw you to the floor. “What did you do!?”
You frowned. “I don’t know what you’re referring to.”
“Count Levi is here asking for you!”
Your eyes widened. “What? Really?”
She screamed in frustration. “He was supposed to be interested in one of my daughters! Yet you took him!”
You shook your head. “I didn’t do anything.” You stood up. “I told him to leave me when he came outside for a smoke at the party.”
“Well, he’s here for you!” She grabbed your cheeks in one hand and squeezed. “So, you must have been a dirty whore like you fucking mother. Just go see him and don’t fuck this up! Make your sisters sound amazing so he picks one of them, because I will bring them into the room once you have.”
You nodded. “Yes Elain, but isn’t he the villain everyone fears?”
“Money is money.”
You sighed. “Very well. I’ll change.” You waited for her to leave your room, then you changed into a long flowing dress your mother used to wear that your father had gifted her. It showed off all your curves and emphasised them. You might not have been perfectly tall and slim, but you had curves in all the right places and a little extra cushion. You put your hair up in a messy manner to fit the dress, then allowed a few strands to fall down. You put on a necklace and earrings, then walked out your room. “Ready.”
Elain looked you over. “God, you infuriate me. You had to wear that fucking dress, didn’t you?”
You looked her over from her over dyed red hair, red lips, makeup on to cover the cracks and a dress that was way too tight for her. “Yes.”
She frowned at you knowing you were judging her, but she couldn’t care less. She turned and flicked her hair. “Move it.”
You followed behind her and smirked. You had little jokes and witty things in your head, and yet no one to talk to about them. You were alone, but it was normal. You just wanted your mother back if you could, but you couldn’t have that. You were wondering why Levi would come here, but you had to make sure you could sell your sisters to him as well as you could. You were thinking of all the things you could to hype your sisters up and to make yourself into a terrible a person and not someone that could be loved by him. You needed to give your sisters a chance. You knew your happy ending was with a simple farmer, or a fisherman, or a butler at another home. You didn’t need riches.
Elain waited for the doors to open, then she smiled. “Count Levi, I have the young lady you asked for.”
Levi tried to look around Elain, but she hid you behind her. “She’s not young, she’s an adult.”
Elain strained a smile. “My apologies, Count.” She turned to you. “Remember what I told you.”
You smiled at her. “I forgot.”
She growled. “Why you little!”
Levi said your name and stood up. “Thank you for joining me.”
You walked around Elain and smiled. “Well, when someone wants my presence, I tend to come running.”
Levi gazed at you in your beautiful dress, it was simple and yet stunning. He couldn’t believe his eyes at how someone as beautiful as you were treated so badly. He thought you were the most beautiful out of all your sisters and everyone that was available to marry. He wasn’t much for romance or love, but he felt a little something in him as he looked at you.
You titled your head. “Count?”
Levi flinched. “I would like to talk to you.”
You bowed your head. “Of course.” You walked over to the sofas, then sat but Levi joined you on your sofa making you blush. “May I help you?”
Levi put his arm around the back of the sofa and sat back. He looked to the butler. “Tea and treats for us both please.” Levi put his hand in the inside pocket of his black blazer, then pulled out a silver case and opened it. “Mind if I smoke?”
You hummed. “I don’t like smoke, but if you want it, then it’s fine.”
He snapped the case closed. “If you don’t like the smoke, then I won’t.”
You frowned. “Oh, that’s not…you can smoke.”
“But you don’t like it.”
You grabbed the case from his hand, then opened it and pulled out a cigarette and popped it into his mouth. “Lighter…” You patted his pockets and leaned over making him blush at your lovely sweet scent. You pulled out his silver lighter, then lit his cigarette for him. “Don’t be stubborn.”
Levi puffed on it, then took it from his lips. “Thank you, but you’re the stubborn one for making me smoke when you don’t like it.”
You blushed. “Well, I don’t want to put you out.”
“I’m your guest though.”
You hummed and slid away from him. “You’re not really a guest, because you just invited yourself.”
He reached over and touched your earring. “You normally this rude to guests?”
You nodded. “Yes, I’m terrible and honest with people. So, you should get to know my sisters instead. Rose is so very beautiful and umm…sociable.” You played with your dress. “Oh, and Sapphire likes dark things, like umm…fighting and battles as well as witch stuff.”
Levi took a drag on his cigarette, then blew out smoke. “Why are you talking about two people who don’t like you in such a positive way?”
You pressed your lips together and hummed. “Because they are great people!”
The butler walked in with a trolly. “Tea and sweets for you, Count. Also, Lady Rose and Sapphire are joining you.”
Levi studied you, then glanced over at the two women walking over. He was guessing Rose was the tall blonde with very big red lips and perfect makeup on. Sapphire was shorter with dark clothes and trying hard to be someone she’s not. “Did I say I wished for you both to join me?”
Rose hummed a laugh. “Oh Count, you are so funny!”
Sapphire giggled. “He’s so handsome and wonderful too.”
Rose glared at you. “You can go now.”
You sighed, then stood up. “Excuse me.”
Levi slammed his foot against the coffee table stopping you from moving. “I didn’t say you could leave. I asked to see you, didn’t I?”
You blushed hard and saw the stares from your sisters to get out. “But Count.”
He looked up at you. “Sit.”
You sat down right away. “Yes Count.” You leaned forwards and poured everyone a cup of tea, then you handed the cups out. “Now, my sisters here are truly wonderful. Rose is great with social events and can get anyone to listen to her. Sapphire is so smart and can help you with trading and connections.”
Levi looked to you. “What about you?”
You blushed. “What about me?”
“I came here to see you.”
You panicked a little at Levi’s words and the glare from your sisters becoming more hateful. “Ah, well I’m sure it’s because you were worried about my feet.” You looked to Rose and Sapphire. “I was barefooted at the dance the other day.”
Levi looked down to the bottom of your dress. “Are your feet okay?”
You nodded. “Yes.”
“You’re not wearing shoes again.” He looked up at you. “Are you?”
You bit your lip. “Maybe…”
He hummed and downed his tea as he found you amusing beyond words. He knew that if he kept you around, you’d keep him on his toes and changed him for the better. He inhaled and blew out smoke then glared at Rose when she took his cup. “What are you doing?”
Rose smiled and poured him a cup. “I’ll get you your tea for you, seeing as this one is lacking.” She hummed a laugh. “Forgive my youngest half-sister and her manners, she is a bit slow compared to me and Sapphire.” She held the cup out to him. “I doubt she’ll get better.”
Levi dropped his cigarette into the tea making Rose gasp in horror, and you hold back laughs. Levi sat back and sighed. “Erwin? Bring it here.”
Erwin walked over, then opened a bag and handed over a wooden jewellery box with gold decorations. “Here.”
Levi took it, then handed it over to you. “I came here to give you this.”
You frowned, then took the box and opened it to see silver necklace with black stones and diamonds with matching earrings. “Wow…these…wow.”
“They’re an engagement gift.”
Rose spat her tea out. “WHAT!?”
Sapphire welled up. “No, no, no, no! MOTHER!”
Elain barged her way into the room and ran over to her daughters. “What’s wrong? What happened?”
Sapphire pointed at you. “Look. It’s an engagement gift!”
Elain glared at you, then looked at the necklace and earrings. “What?” She gulped hard. “Count Levi, I’m sure that gift must be for one of my daughters.”
Levi tucked hair behind your ear and said your name making you look at him. “This is for you. This is engagement gift to you. I want you to marry me.”
You blushed bright red. “Me? Are you sure?”
He nodded. “Yes.”
You looked down at the gifts. “These are beautiful.”
“I saw them and knew right away they would look good on you.”
You hummed, then closed the case and handed it back over. “But I have to decline your marriage offer.”
Levi was dumbstruck, because he knew very well, he was a desired man and he could see you had some interest in him. “What?”
You stood up and bowed. “Thank you so much for coming today, it was a pleasure to meet you again.” You walked past him, then bowed to Erwin. “It was a pleasure to meet you too.”
Levi stood up, then walked fast after you. He called your name making you stop in the hall. “Why?”
You turned to him. “I’m sorry?”
“Why did you refuse?”
You smiled at him. “You’re a wonderful gentleman and I am sure that you are not the villain as everyone says you are, but I am not the woman for you. You require someone like Duchess Penelope or one of my sisters.”
He walked closer, his smart shoes tapping on the tiled floor making you shiver. “What about what I want?”
You hummed. “Oh…well…”
He handed you the box. “I want to marry you.”
You stumbled back as you held the box. “I cannot accept this or your proposal.”
“Then accept it as a gift.”
You looked up at him. “I can’t. It’s worth too much.”
He held your chin and lifted your head up. “Take. It.”
You gulped and nodded. “Okay.”
“Tch, listen brat. I know you don’t think much of me, or yourself, but I can offer you a good life.” He sighed. “Look, I hate marriage and I don’t want to marry some stupid person who doesn’t give a shit and is either scared of me, or just wants me for my power and money. I would rather marry someone to help them out.” He cupped the side of your face. “I can give you the life you’ve always wanted. I can give you an easy life where no one hates or bullies you. I will give you a home and access to every single book you desire, along with many staff members who would love to be your friend. You’d be far away from Elain, her daughters and idiotic son.” He let you go and stepped back. “Don’t worry, I won’t ask of you to do the whole wifely duties of the nightly pleasures and consummating the marriage. I just need a wife I wouldn’t mind at my side so I can get closer to being the Emperor. I promise to take care of you and I won’t take a lover or mistress, because I hate cheaters.”
You thought it was a nice deal, but you weren’t sure. “Count Levi.”
He kissed your cheek under your eye making you close it and hu. “Think about it. Oh, and keep the necklace and earrings.”
You hugged it to your chest and watched Levi walk away with an air about him, it was dangerous, deadly and yet charming. “Bye…” You looked to Elain and your sisters glaring at you, then you turned and ran off to your room and hid Levi’s gift. You hurried around, then turned to the door as Elain walked in. “Elain.”
She backhanded you across the face. “Where is it!? Give me that gift!”
You lightly touched your cheek. “He said it was mine to keep.”
She smiled and touched your dress. “Such a nice dress.”
You backed up from her. “Don’t.”
She hummed a laugh as Fredrick walked in. “Son? I believe this room needs fixing, don’t you?”
Fredrick smirked and looked you over. “Yes mother.”
You watched your half-brother start to break your room, causing all the memories of your mother being ruined. “Stop, please.”
Elain smiled. “Then give me the gift.”
Fredrick picked up a picture of you and your mother. “Shall I break this one?”
Elain tilted her head and smirked at you. “I dunno. What do you think?”
You gulped, then grabbed the box from its hiding spot and gave it to her. “It’s yours, just please don’t break that picture.”
Fredrick walked over and gave you the picture. “You look like a fuckable whore right now.”
You yanked the picture from him, then ran to your bathroom. You slammed the door, locked it, then sat on the floor hugging the picture. You lay on your side and thought about Levi’s offer, it really was tempting but it meant your happy ending of being married to someone who loved you would never happen. However, if you married Levi then you would be safe from things like this.
Levi sat at his desk with you on his mind. He couldn’t stop thinking about you and he wasn’t sure why. He didn’t think it was anything romantic, it was more like a fascination with you and how you were. He saw what you were like without the dark gazes on you, you were weird and fun, but when you had the gaze, you were stiff. He felt frustrated and he wasn’t sure why. He shoved a cigarette into his mouth, then lit it and let out a long breath of smoke. He pinched the bridge of his nose and felt a headache coming on.
He looked up when Jean entered his office. “Tch, what Jean? I’m not in the mood. If this is to do with the prisoner I’m torturing, I’m done for now.”
Jean shook hie head. “No Count, you have a visitor.”
Levi frowned. “I’m not expecting anyone. Send them away.”
“Count, she’s adamant in seeing you.”
Levi raised a brow in interest. “She? Who is it?”
Jean ruffled his hair. “She said you’d know who it is.”
Levi thought of Elain and instantly got pissed off. He had been drowning in letters from her about her daughters. He stood up, then stormed out the room. “Tch, fine I’ll kick them out myself.”
Jean followed. “Try not to get too much blood on everything.”
Levi threw open the doors to the entrance hall ready to shout, then he stopped and felt warmth spread through him at seeing you looked up at the ceiling and twirling around slowly with a sweet lightly coloured dress on. He looked to Jean. “Leave us.”
Jean bowed. “Yes Count.”
Levi fixed his clothes, then put his cigarette out and walked over to you and said your name causing you to look at him with your beautiful eyes. “What are you doing here? You change your mind?”
You smiled and walked over. “No, I haven’t. I came here to ask you to stop sending me gifts.”
Levi stopped in front of you. “Well, that’s not possible. The gifts are engagement gifts.”
You fiddled with your dress. “Just, please? For me?”
Levi walked closer. “I’ve told you they are engagement gifts.”
You let out a long sigh. “I know, but I can barely have a chance to look at them or see them because Elain hands them out to my sisters.”
Levi growled. “What?”
You backed up. “I should go home. I just wanted to tell you that.”
Levi paced about, then glared at you. “Don’t you dare fucking leave!”
You stayed still. “Okay.”
Levi was furious, then grabbed a pot and threw it against the wall and screamed in anger. You watched Levi throw the pedestal it was on, then noticed that there were people waiting with cleaning things at the ready. You instantly felt for Levi, because it was clear he was an emotional guy, but he hid it a lot. However, when he let it spill out of him, it was like a beautiful eruption or raw strength and power. He stopped his rampage, then sat on the steps with his head in his hands as he shook slightly. He was embarrassed at his behaviour, but at the same time he was so angry that your family were so awful.
You walked over to Levi, then sat next to him and placed your hand on his head and played with his hair. You cuddled up to him as his staff quickly cleaned up the mess, then ran off to leave you and Levi alone. “Want to hear something funny?”
Levi lifted his head as he enjoyed your sweet touch on his head. “Sure.”
You pulled your dress up and wiggled your toes. “No shoes.”
He stared at your feet, then looked at your smiling face and felt himself relax instantly. “This is a weird habit of yours.”
You nodded and giggled. “It is.”
He hummed. “Where are your shoes?”
“Rose takes them all because she thinks it’s funny, so I just go bare foot a lot of the time.” You gasped, then pointed at Levi. “Don’t you dare buy me loads of shoes.”
Levi leaned his elbow on his thigh and put his cheek in his hand as he looked at you. “Tch, that’s fucking unfair.”
You smiled and looked down at your feet. “Well, I’ll just get them taken from me again. I don’t want you to waste your money on me when I don’t even get to enjoy them.”
He glanced at your chest. “Not even that first gift?”
You nodded. “Got it taken from me the moment you left.”
He hummed in thought as he watched you. “You weren’t scared.”
You looked at Levi. “Hmm?” It clicked in his head he was talking about him shouting and breaking things. “Oh! That’s because I knew you weren’t going to hurt me. You were just frustrated about your gifts being taken from the person they were for. I get that.”
He smiled a little, then hid his smile with his hand. “Thank you. Most are scared of me hence the stupid reputation, but then again I do have a lot of blood on my hands.”
You took his hands and looked them over, then hummed. “Yeah, yeah I don’t see it. All I see is soft hands with scars and a few rough patches.” You tapped your finger on the calloses. “Here.” You hummed a laugh and looked up at Levi. “You worry too much. I have a lot of rumours about me being spread because of my sisters, but to be honest I don’t care. They can say what they want about me, because good people will know the real me. Bad people believe the shit.”
Levi held you hand making you blush. “Accept my marriage proposal. You’ll be safe here and you can do anything you want.”
You smiled and squeezed his hand. “I dunno. I mean, I’ve always wanted to marry for love. I stupidly believed my mother with promises of love. I read all the books about romance.” You hummed a laugh. “I know it’s childish, but it’s what I dream of having.”
“I’ll let you take a lover.”
You shook your head. “I don’t like cheaters. I’m loyal.”
Levi nodded. “Right…well how about we marry and if you fall in love with someone, we will divorce. In the divorce, I will give you a home, money and anything else you need. I’ll support you.”
You smiled at Levi. “That’s so sweet of you.” You frowned. “What about you?”
Levi shrugged. “I doubt anyone could ever love me and I don’t think I can love.” He touched his chest. “I don’t even know what love feels like.”
You placed your hand on his on his chest and smiled. “It’s like a warm feeling that makes you feel safe and happy. You find yourself thinking of them, gazing at them and having them in your thoughts when you do anything in your life or even buying things. Everything they do is just precious to you, from talking, laughing, sleeping, eating and just being them. When they tell you to look at something, like a bird singing in the tree you just join them and enjoy a little moment with them.” You locked eyes with him and smiled so sweetly it made his heart flutter. “Does that make sense?”
He nodded. “Y-Yes.”
You pulled your hand away and hummed. “So, what if you fell in love while we were married? Would we still divorce so you could be with her?”
Levi frowned a little. “I doubt I would find love. So, what do you think?”
You hummed in thought, then smiled and nodded. “Alright. Let’s do it. I have nothing for me at my home.”
“Wait, really?”
You nodded and laughed. “Yeah. Everyone hates me at my home. I have no money, no friends, nothing. So, I’d be an idiot to turn this down. I don’t need your money or gifts. I just want to help people and live in your library.”
Levi shook his head and let out a little laugh making you blush. “My library huh?”
You giggled “Yes. Plus, I can help you out with your paperwork. Just because our marriage will be to help you, doesn’t mean I won’t skip out on my duties.”
“That’s very kind of you.” He stood up, then pulled you to your feet. “Then, for your safety, I would like for you to stay here while we are engaged.”
You shook your head. “No, people will talk.”
“People talk about me all the time. Besides, it’ll allow you to get used to my…our home.”
You sighed. “Alright, but honestly I think I should stay in a hotel in the city. I don’t want people to think that you’ve kidnapped me or anything.”
“They won’t.”
You hummed a laugh. “You going to beat them if they talk shit about me?”
Levi nodded. “Of course.” He frowned and tilted his head. “Am I not supposed to?”
You laughed at how sweet he was. “You can do as you like.”
“Good.” He cleared his throat. “I should take you to Erwin and inform him, then I’ll show you your room.”
“Thank you.”
Levi blushed a little, then walked with you and saw Eren passing by. “Eren!”
Eren jumped, then bowed. “Yes Count.”
“First off, shave that stupid shit on your face, I’ve told you before. Second, tell the staff that I am now engaged to this beautiful woman.” He said your name and watched you as you bowed. “Get a room set up for her.”
Eren bowed. “Yes Count.”
You waved to him. “Bye.”
Levi growled. “Stop staring at him.”
You giggled and followed Levi. “Are you jealous?”
“Tch, no.” He blushed a little, then opened Erwin’s office. “Oi Erwin? I have some news.”
Erwin looked up from his desk and smiled as he said your name, then he walked over to you. “Pleasure to see you again.”
You offered your hard, then gasped when he kissed the back of it. “Such a gentleman.”
“Please, take a seat and rest.” He guided you to his two sofas in a sitting area. “So, I’m assuming you’re here for either asking me to get Levi to leave you alone, or you have accepted his proposal.”
You sat and smiled. “I accepted.”
Erwin smiled. “Great. I believe you would make and excellent Countess. I will ensure all the paperwork is in place, then we’ll begin planning the wedding and the marriage agreement.”
“Of course.”
Levi sat next to you, then threw his arm across the back of the sofa behind you and crossed his legs. “I intend to give her a monthly allowance, a holiday home and full access to any papers or resources.”
Erwin sat back and nodded. “Certainly. Are the staff setting up her room?”
“Yes, I told them to get to it. She’s stay with us from now on.”
Erwin raised his brow, then sighed. “To be honest, I think that’s a good idea. Your family don’t you so nicely, but here I can assure you that you will be treated with respect and cared for. No one will take from you. You’ll be catered for and no one will lay a finger on you in a negative way. You’re safe.”
You smiled at him and blushed. “Thank you. I will do my best to work hard and be someone you are proud to call your Countess.”
Erwin smiled. “I like you. I think you’re going to fit in just fine. I’ll show you around.”
Levi stood up. “No, I’ve already said I’m showing her to her room.” Levi held your hand and pulled you to your feet and dragged you to the door. “Move it brat.”
You stumbled after him, then waved to Erwin. “See you soon Erwin.”
Erwin smiled and waved. “I look froward to it.”
You caught up with Levi, then walked at his side up the stairs and through the halls to one side of the building. You looked outside and enjoyed the light of the setting sun filtering through, it felt so warm and welcoming. “It’s so pretty here.”
Levi looked over at you and felt his heart skip a beat. He blushed, then looked away. “Tch, it’s okay. Hurry up.”
“Sorry.” You walked over to him by a door. “I don’t get to go out much. I kind of snuck out today to come see you.”
He pushed the double doors open. “Wait, so did you walk here?”
You nodded and wandered into the room, only for your eyes to widen in pure delight. The room was so delicate, clean and pure. The bed was huge, enough for eight people to sleep in. You had a balcony with beautiful views, a little sitting area near a fireplace for you to read as many books as you wanted. You had a stunning dresser with a sweet mirror to let you do your hair and makeup in. You walked over to a door to see it was rows upon rows of lines for dresses, shoes and jewellery. You left the room and opened another door for a massive bathroom to die for, with a deep bath that you could just sink into. You opened the last door to see it was a living room just for you.
Levi stood by the walk-in closet. “I’ll send for your dresses and buy you new ones, along with shoes and jewellery.”
You turned to Levi. “That’s too much.”
Levi closed the closet door. “You’re going to be a Countess, my Countess so you have to look the part. You deserve it all.”
You blushed and walked to the seat in front of your dresser mirror. “It’s all so strange. I’ve never been treated this nicely. Thank you.”
Levi blushed and walked to the door. “It’s a pleasure to help. I’ll leave you to rest. My staff have left a nightdress on your bed for you. Tomorrow you should have clothes arriving. Sleep well.”
You smiled and waved. “Goodnight, Levi.”
“Goodnight.”